Financial and Lifestyle Resources for Vermont

You need a car but when you look at your budget, you’re not sure what kind of down payment you should make or how much you can afford to pay each month. Maybe you haven’t made a car payment in a while. Or maybe you have been making a payment all along and it’s been putting a damper on your budget. Before you strap yourself into a new car, take a minute to figure out how much car you can afford and still live comfortably within your means.

Whether you’re traditionally a new car buyer or looking for a used car that will last longer, there are affordable and reliable options out there for you. This is your starter guide for shopping for a pre-owned vehicle—what to look for, what questions to ask, where to buy from, and more.

As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) becomes more widespread, more used electric cars are entering the market and offering a more affordable option for those looking to go electric. In fact, 7% of electric vehicles registered in Vermont in the first quarter of 2020 are used, according to the most recent report from Drive Electric VT. This number is only expected to grow along with the increased availability of used EVs. If you’re looking to go green with your next vehicle and think you might be interested in a used EV, here is a list of important questions to ask and information to know as you start your search.

If you’re looking for your next car, you may have noticed that car inventory is low. If you’re currently leasing your vehicle, you may have more options at the end of your lease than you think. In fact, the best car for you may be the one you already have. Enter the lease buyout. With used cars retaining their value these days, here is what you need to know about this often-overlooked car buying option—when it makes sense, what to consider, and how to do it.

This is an exciting time for plug-in electric vehicle (EV) buyers. Manufacturers are producing a wide array of models. The value of going electric has increased as electric driving range goes up, performance improves, more affordable models are available and off-peak charging costs from several Vermont utilities offer the equivalent of $1 per gallon of gasoline. Plus, purchase incentives are available that can reduce up-front costs by $10,000 or more. If you’re on the fence about buying an EV, this article may help you pick a side.

If you’ve ever purchased a vehicle, you probably know that you can spend almost as much time shopping for rates as you do picking out your new car. But what if I told you that you didn’t have to spend so much time finding the best interest rate?  

Do you want to buy a car but worry that your bad credit will make it impossible for you to get financing? Bad credit can certainly create challenges for the car buyer, but it does not necessarily mean you’re out of luck. You may just need to take a few steps to prove to a lender that you are a trustworthy borrower.

You’re driving down the road and your engine light comes on again! The thoughts that run through your head might include “I think it’s time for a new vehicle,” “Will I get approved for a car loan?” “What’s the minimum credit score for a car loan?” “What will a new payment look like for me?” “Can I even afford to buy a vehicle?”